THE FORMIDABLE RISE OF EXIT

Man of the Year: Exit is on the road to becoming a legend

If you’ve lent your ears to listen to Exit’s current album “Go Hard or Go Home” then you’ll know that it’s a terrific project that encompasses variety but still sticks to its roots, the solid roots of Kwaito. Kwaito is a genre which garners its origin from the townships of South Africa, most particularly from the largest metropolis township of Soweto (Johannesburg's equivalent of Katutura) where most of Mzansi’s greatest Kwaito stars to have exerted their presence in the game were bred. Now I know that a lot of Hip Hop cats will be up in arms about this but Kwaito was (and still is) inspired by Hip Hop, the difference between the two genres is that Kwaito is a township transformation of Hip Hop. This means that Kwaito is tailored to suit township life, see it as the late Tupac’s now defunct Thug Life turned into Arthur Mafokate’s 999 Music. The pioneers of Kwaito back in the 90’s saw how the youth in the States were expressing themselves and decided on starting up their own thing to serve the same purpose.

Like Hip Hop, Kwaito was born at a time when the youth in the black communities of South Africa were facing a lot of hardships. Apartheid for one was at its peak, this was further compounded by problems such as racism, unemployment, poverty, crime, gang violence, police brutality and so forth. Amongst these problems those that affected the youth severely were sexually transmitted diseases (such as AIDS), unemployment, illiteracy, domestic violence, alcohol and drugs and the lack of government recognition of the youth’s problems. The youth in the townships were mostly disadvantaged because they had no safe recreational places were they could wyl out and relax and so they built these places themselves. Free open spaces within township areas were cleared and goalposts erected so people could entertain themselves with a game of soccer, street corners became gambling grounds and dance battles were rife. If nobody was going to do it for them then they were going to do it for themselves.

Doing his thing in "Special"

Kwaito like all these forms of recreational activities was a way for the youth within these communities to express themselves artistically and to have fun. Most of them never knew that they would one day be earning big bucks from the genre, let alone be recognised as musical legends. This is how Kwaito came about, even though many associate the genre with violence, sex, booze and drug abuse it’s still rightly so a true representative of the township life and the youth who face it everyday. Through this music they could talk about anything from politics, social issues, sports,  their dreams, parties, ladies (and guys) and gang banging, they finally had a voice and a platform were they could make it heard. The most noteworthy Kwaito legends include but are not limited to Arthur Mafokate, Oskido, Mandoza, Mandla Spikiri, Mzekezeke, Mapaputsi, Zola, Trompies, Brown Dash (RIP) and TKZee. All these artists are South African music legends, Namibia has its own legends too. Lazarus Ndeshimona Shiimi and Martin Morocky Mbwale AKA Gazza and The Dogg respectively are the most notable Kwaito legends in the game. They adapted Kwaito from their neighboring counterparts who inspired them and localized it, earning them a bunch of accolades both locally and continentally.  Not forgetting the likes of Pablo Diablo, Sunny-Boy, Qonja and Matongo Family who pumped more nutrients into the genres blood stream.

 They are indeed the pioneers of Kwaito and have paved the way for other musicians to enter the market and elevate themselves and the genre. One of the artists who is doing just this and who is perhaps currently the third most popular outie within the industry is David Shapumba AKA Exit. Exit began his career from humble beginnings, starting out as a dancer and later taking it a step further and forming a group with close-friend and now close competitor, Albert Uulenga AKA Mushe. Together they formed the group Exit & Mushe. Under the guidance of 2Tyt Productions they became a household name within the game, they were the perfect combo, Exit being the mesmerizing lyricist while Mushe bringing his talent to the table as the awesomely talented and creative beat-maker and producer.

"Go Hard or Go Home" has been hailed as the best Kwaito album of 2013

Together they soared to great heights but soon broke up to pursue solo careers. Though Mushe has made great strides than his counterpart, winning the highly sought after category of Best Male Artist of the Year title twice in a row at the prestigious Namibia Music Awards better known by the acronym NAMAs, Exit has of late been taking the spotlight away from him and basking in the limelight. His current solo studio project “Go Hard or Go Home” has earned him respect from the fans and his peers, garnering him notable collaborations with Gazza, The Dogg, Ees, Linda, M-jay, Vanity and Blacksheep. His star is on an incredible rise and after struggling to be recognised at the NAMAs during previous years this year has proved to be more kind to the deep voiced muso. He respectfully scored the Best Kwaito and Radio Song of the Year awards and gave a stellar performance of his latest single “Killa All-Star”. One can say that he has defied all odds and has risen from the ashes of doom that many, including the media, had relegated him to.

Listening to “Go Hard or Go Home” one can easily decipher a noticeable sense of maturity in his lyrics. Tracks like the title jam “Go Hard or Go Home” featuring The Dogg , “Ondaaraokiri”, “My Notebook”, "I Loove it" and “Music from the Sky” are great on the ear though one can fault the lack of lyrical creativity as portrayed in his previous works he certainly proves that less can be better depending on your overall delivery. His current album overshadows all his other previous works in that it is more unique and hard hitting and resonates well with its audience who want nothing more than to dance and have a good time. At 26 years old Mr Rockaz, as his fans refer to him, is well on his way to grabbing the third spot after the two other musical greats in the Namibian Kwaito game. Something that makes his music different from the rest is that in the age were most Kwaito artists are incorporating other genres into their music to appease the fans Exit has remained committed to doing ‘pure’ Kwaito and has shunned the possibility of exploring other genres as avenues to prop up his jams. This in itself proves how much he has faith in his craft.

Mr. Rockaz with a fan

It’s also a good thing to note that the dude carries a powerful message in his music, urging the youth to not only study but to also follow their dreams and make something out of their lives. Though some may label him as a tsotsi he treats Kwaito as a culture, a way of life and this is evident from his lifestyle, the way he dresses, to the way that he carries himself and his entire mentality shows that he is in fact a true kasi guy, perhaps not average as his talent sets him apart from the rest. So really Kwaito to him and to most is more than just a genre, it is a true reflection of life in the kasi which is dominated by crazy parties, yes, the night life is an integral part of the kasi and so long as there remains to be townships Kwaito will continue to exist and to thrive.

Exit is not only a one man show, the line: “…making more money for me and my n*ggas,” is a testament to this. His brand and label Rockaz Entetainment is rubbing shoulders with other top guns in the industry such as Mshasho, GMP, DD Records, Yaziza and has signed the likes of the talented producer and vocalist Neslow and the new kids on the block, the pair of 2KO & Koxa. Obviously he’s building a brand that commands respect and recognition which it all earns upon merit. So as his hoards of fans wait in great anticipation as the maestro prepares to launch his next studio album the “Koskola Daar” hit-maker is pretty much hyped up.  Knowing that one is only as good as their last project Exit promises a bigger and better album than his current one.  If his social media posts are trustworthy his next album is set to be titled “I am Tha Truth” and if all abides to plan will be launched on the 20^th of August this year.  So is he the next best thing since Gazza and The Dogg? Only time and his music will tell, but one thing is for sure though, he wont be making any exit from the game any time soon. Until then keep your sound sensory organs alert for all his musical projects.